Leon had only been in the Empire of Aetherlight for a few days. The distance between Great Britain and the Empire wasn't nearly as close as that between Tsarist Russia and Aetherlight territory.
Yet he knew exactly what had transpired yesterday. The commotion had been impossible to ignore, after all.
Although the Empire quickly issued an official statement claiming that Azrael and Motian had merely been sparring, foreign envoys weren't fools, they understood the political undercurrents. Still, no one was willing to expose the truth publicly.
Meanwhile, Leon scrolled through news articles on his tablet.
"The Empire and Tsarist Russia are drawing closer together," he muttered.
He'd naturally seen the somewhat sensationalized reports and the reality hidden beneath the exaggeration.
However, this development didn't particularly concern Leon. After all, aside from the vast distance separating Great Britain from the Empire, even if they harbored ambitions, they simply lacked the capability to act on them. Great Britain's greatest Lore Cardian, King George VII, had only reached Master level. While certainly formidable within Britain's borders, he wasn't considered top-tier on the global stage.
As Leon contemplated these matters, a servant hurried over and whispered respectfully, "Your Highness, Master Azrael is waiting outside."
"Please, show him in immediately," Leon said, snapping from his reverie.
A mere Diamond-level Lore Cardian like himself wouldn't dare display arrogance before Azrael, especially since there was no conflict between them to justify such disrespect.
Azrael soon appeared before Leon. Observing the brown-haired man who looked considerably different from their last meeting, a smile spread across Azrael's face. "Long time no see, Leon."
"Long time no see, Master Azrael," Leon replied.
Compared to Azrael's relaxed demeanor, Leon was undeniably more reserved. Of course, this was hardly surprising, most Diamond-level Lore Cardians didn't fare much better in Azrael's presence.
Sensing his nervousness, Azrael offered reassurance. "Just call me Azrael."
Before Leon could respond, Azrael's attention shifted to the blond man standing quietly nearby. "You too, David. It's been a while."
Indeed, David, the clergyman who had clashed with Azrael in Great Britain, had accompanied Leon to the Empire, naturally arranged by King George VII.
Ever since laying eyes on Azrael, David's expression had been complex.
He certainly remembered the young man before him, with whom he'd fought over a card-related disagreement.
Hearing Azrael's greeting, David simply shook his head slightly. "I was wrong back then, Master Azrael."
He was referring to the incident when he'd attacked Azrael over the appearance of Ulquiorra.
The blond man's apology stemmed not from the disparity in their current strength, but rather from what he'd learned of Azrael's deeds since arriving in the Empire.
Honestly, if Azrael had been in Europe, he'd probably be called a living saint.
Azrael didn't dwell on past grievances. He smiled warmly. "It's all in the past."
"I'd like to thank Great Britain for its willingness to attend Lord Lioren's funeral."
Earth was vast, and naturally, not every nation was willing, or able, to travel to the Empire for Lioren's funeral.
Some lacked the capability, while others simply chose not to attend.
Of course, there were exceptions.
The Indo-American Federation, for instance, though the Empire had simply refrained from sending them an invitation. Ultimately, Lioren's death bore some connection to Edley.
However, after hearing Azrael's words, a trace of bitterness crossed Leon's face. "Originally, His Majesty George VII intended to come in person, but Great Britain's situation isn't favorable, so I had to attend in his stead."
It wasn't merely Great Britain's situation, it was the predicament facing most nations across the world.
Even the Empire of Aetherlight was no exception.
Though the Empire was no longer threatened by the demon army to the north or the city-within-a-city to the east, and seemed to be thriving on the surface, appearances could be deceiving.
Externally, there were the unpredictable attitudes of two Sovereign-level Lore Cardians, Edley and Motian. Internally, secret realms continued proliferating at an alarming rate. Setting those aside, there was no telling when the Four Evil Gods, previously expelled by Azrael, might return.
The Empire's situation hadn't improved with the destruction of the demon army and the city-within-a-city. If anything, the challenges had merely shifted form.
All of this was a chain reaction following Lioren's death.
However, Azrael didn't dwell on these matters, momentarily confused about Leon's purpose in revealing such information.
After all, if he were in Leon's position, he would never disclose internal affairs to representatives from other nations, just as Petrovna remained unaware of the specific situation along Velkairos's coast, despite their good personal relationship.
Countless thoughts raced through his mind before Azrael finally chuckled, preparing to redirect the conversation. "These are difficult times for everyone. I understand."
However, Leon didn't let the matter drop, shaking his head firmly. "No, that's different."
"Great Britain's situation is far worse than you imagine, Azrael."
"Do you know how many Master-level secret realms currently exist in Great Britain?"
"Three. Three separate Master-level incursions."
Not everyone was a prodigy like Azrael. An average Master-level Lore Cardian was already quite impressive if they could handle two demons of equivalent rank simultaneously, let alone three.
In that context, George VII's ability to maintain stability was genuinely commendable.
After a moment's silence, Azrael frowned slightly. "So?"
"Are you hoping the Empire will intervene?"
That was the only logical conclusion he could draw.
In response to Azrael's question, Leon was completely forthright. "That's correct."
"I won't hide it from you, Azrael. The reason we didn't contact the Gauls is their proximity to Great Britain."
The principle of befriending distant powers while attacking neighbors clearly wasn't unique to the Empire of Aetherlight.
However, Azrael suspected the situation was more complicated. "Isn't there more to it? Tsarist Russia isn't particularly close to you, is it?"
"And Her Majesty Catherine is a Sovereign-level Lore Cardian."
Hearing this, Leon fell silent.
He certainly had his own agenda. The reason this British prince sought assistance from the Empire rather than Tsarist Russia was naturally because he knew Azrael, a high-ranking Imperial official.
If the Empire agreed to help Great Britain, there would be significantly more room for political maneuvering.
He could leverage this opportunity to strengthen his claim to the crown prince position. After all, compared to his siblings, this connection was Leon's only advantage, and not an insignificant one.
Unfortunately, Azrael had seen through the brown-haired man's strategy before it could properly unfold.
After a long moment, Leon released a wry smile and sighed. "I can't hide anything from you, Azrael."
"Then I'll be frank."
"If you're willing to help Great Britain, after I become crown prince, you may choose any set of Master-level materials from Great Britain's resource vault."
"A set of materials" implied at least three complete collections, a genuinely generous reward.
Unfortunately, Leon didn't realize that if Azrael truly desired it, the entire Empire of Aetherlight would bend to his will. If Leon's offer had been all of Great Britain's materials, Azrael might have considered it.
But that was clearly unrealistic.
So Azrael simply smiled. "Your conditions are indeed tempting, but..."
"I refuse."
Leon's expression froze momentarily before anxiety flooded his features. "Why?"
"If the compensation isn't satisfactory, we can negotiate further!"
But Azrael's next words shattered his hopes entirely. "You can't afford the compensation I want."
"I..."
Hearing this, Leon tried desperately to salvage the situation, but Azrael wasn't prepared to prolong the discussion. He stated bluntly, "I want all of Great Britain. Can you give me that?"
He stood, preparing to leave. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
He began walking toward the hall's exit.
Just then, a faint voice suddenly rang out from behind him. "I've read texts from your Empire. If you're willing to make Great Britain a vassal state and secure my throne, I'll do it."
"Yes."
Even Azrael, accustomed to significant political maneuvering, felt genuine surprise at this moment.
He turned and stared at Leon with amazement, then suddenly laughed. "You're quite calculating, getting something for nothing."
"But the Empire isn't interested in competing with a Master-level Lore Cardian."
"When you can 'convince' your king, bring this proposal up again."
Without waiting for Leon's reaction, Azrael turned and left the hall.
Leon silently watched Azrael's departure, half his face hidden in shadow, his eyes obscured by darkness.
Azrael was absolutely right. Great Britain wasn't ruled solely by Leon. Above all the princes and princesses stood the Master-level Lore Cardian, King George VII.
If Leon wanted to achieve his goal, he would have to deal with that obstacle first.
Outside the palace, having concluded his meeting with Leon, Azrael muttered to himself as he walked toward another residence. "What wishful thinking."
Leon's calculations had been transparently desperate. Though he seemed to be offering so much, he was essentially risking nothing.
Was Great Britain Leon's to give? Clearly not.
So even if he used all of Great Britain as a bargaining chip, he wouldn't feel any real loss, it wasn't his to begin with.
Thinking of this, Azrael couldn't help but sneer before dismissing the matter and focusing on his next diplomatic appointment.
Korea had also sent representatives to Lioren's funeral.
No, that description wasn't quite accurate. Their king had come in person.
Indeed, despite the peninsula having been previously controlled by Gabi and the Nine-Tailed Fox, a descendant of the Lee clan had survived.
This descendant was an Emerald-level Lore Cardian named Leonardo, uncle to the previous Korea king.
It was fair to say he still found it difficult to believe he'd inherited the throne. For Leonardo, it was an unexpected blessing, ascending to kingship when he'd never imagined such a possibility.
However, the Korea king was preparing a significant surprise for the Empire.
He straightened his formal robes and nervously asked Kim Woo-bin, standing beside him, "Master Kim, do you think the Empire will agree to our request?"
As a member of the Lee clan, Leonardo spoke flawless Imperial dialect.
Hearing his question, Kim Woo-bin, who had risen to a position similar to the Empire's Cabinet Ministers, briefly considered the matter before replying, "It's quite likely. After all, the Empire already had many such precedents in its history."
Leonardo couldn't help but release a sigh of relief, then chuckled nervously. "Lord Kim, to be honest, I still feel like I'm dreaming."
"I know I lack the talent to truly be a king. This choice is the best one for both me and the surviving people of Korea."
Kim Woo-bin offered reassurance. "Don't worry, Your Majesty. The Empire will agree."
With these words, silence fell over the hall.
While the Empire had historical precedents, those existed when the imperial court still functioned. The current situation was entirely different.
As they waited anxiously, a eunuch approached hurriedly, perspiration beading on his forehead.
"Your Majesty, Lord Azrael from the Empire is waiting outside."
"Please, show him in immediately."
Watching the eunuch depart, Leonardo and Kim Woo-bin exchanged glances before steeling themselves for the coming conversation.
Soon, Azrael appeared before them.
Before the young man could react, both Leonardo and Kim Woo-bin had prostrated themselves completely, declaring respectfully, "Lord Azrael."
Witnessing their display, Azrael felt momentarily speechless.
After the Four Evil Gods incident was resolved, the Empire had dispatched teams of Lore Cardians to eliminate remaining demonic threats on the peninsula.
According to these Lore Cardians, the surviving Korea population generally knelt upon seeing them, as if they were divine messengers descended from heaven.
Some women had even offered themselves in gratitude.
Fortunately, the peninsula was neither particularly large nor small, so the clearing operation concluded quickly. With the Empire's assistance, the peninsula was swiftly returned to Lee family control.
Around this time, Kim Woo-bin, a former acquaintance of Azrael, successfully ascended to his current ministerial position, undoubtedly due to his prestige within the resistance movement.
After reflecting on Korea's current circumstances, Azrael said with mild exasperation, "Please stand. The Empire no longer practices such formalities."
"What did you wish to discuss with me?"
Indeed, he'd come to meet the two Korea representatives because they'd informed the Empire of an important matter requiring discussion, and Azrael, who knew Kim Woo-bin personally, had been selected as the Imperial envoy.
Meanwhile, Leonardo and Kim Woo-bin rose to their feet, silently composing themselves and formulating their words carefully.
After a measured pause, Leonardo prostrated himself once more, solemnly declaring, "Lord Azrael, Korea is a small nation. We recently received invaluable assistance from your Empire, helping us reclaim our lost territory. This is truly a divine blessing. After extensive deliberations, we hope the Empire will allow Korea to become an Imperial province."
Hearing this, Azrael was genuinely stunned. He hadn't anticipated Korea harboring such intentions.
His expression grew serious. "You understand what you're proposing, correct?"
"This is no trivial matter."
Annexation meant Korea would fall directly under Imperial jurisdiction, identical to provinces like Greenridge. Consequently, Korea's existing governmental structure would be replaced entirely by the Cardian Master Association's administration.
Put simply, if the Empire agreed, there would be one fewer independent nation called Korea on Earth, and one additional province bearing that name instead.
In essence, Korea would evolve from being the Empire's subordinate state to becoming its integral territory.
Having finally voiced his proposal, Leonardo nodded readily in response to Azrael's questioning. "Of course. We won't retract our words."
Azrael couldn't make such a momentous decision alone.
After brief consideration, he replied noncommittally, "Let's discuss this matter after Lord Lioren's funeral concludes."
He paused before continuing, "However, I believe there's a strong possibility your wish will be fulfilled."
Korea's annexation would benefit the Empire far more than it would create complications, and Azrael felt confident his teachers would ultimately agree.
Though Leonardo and Kim Woo-bin were somewhat disappointed that Azrael hadn't accepted immediately, they still replied respectfully, "Yes, Lord Azrael."
Seeing their deference, Azrael shook his head slightly, stood, and turned toward the exit. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"Farewell, Master Azrael."
Azrael waved dismissively, signaling them to be less formal.
He didn't need to look back to know the two men had knelt again in respect.
Leaving the hall, Azrael's thoughts returned to Leon.
Leon was correct, the Empire had indeed maintained numerous vassal states throughout its history.
But with the emergence of secret realms, these vassal states either perished entirely or, like Korea, sought annexation by the Empire for survival.
And if Great Britain ever truly became an Imperial vassal state, Leon's authority certainly wouldn't be absolute.
"Heh."
"Too clever by half."